Union Pacific Railroad promotes Donna Kush
DONNA KUSH has been promoted to Union Pacific Railroad's vice president of public affairs for the Northern Region, effective April 1, succeeding Joe Bateman, who will serve as vice president of government relations until his planned retirement on Oct. 1. Ms. Kush was previously assistant vice president of corporate communications. She joined Union Pacific in 2008 and has more than 24 years of corporate marketing, branding and communications experience. She earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in journalism and mass communications from the University of Nebraska.
Texas looks at innovative ways to resolve its water woes
Water — or specifically a lack of it — is increasingly an area of focus not only in agriculture but in all industries, as municipalities and the corporate world battle for control of supplies.
RPE expands sales staff, adds new branch
RPE announced that Tron Crumley and Sue Rodriquez have joined its sales team. Both individuals will be based in RPE’s new Blackfoot, ID, office.
Mr. Crumley and Ms. Rodriquez will report to Clay Gustaveson, RPE’s director of foodservice sales, who will split his time between his current office at RPE-Idaho in Rupert and the new office in Blackfoot.
The Great Big Idaho Potato Truck embarks on second cross-country tour
Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. (Butch) Otter and hundreds of Emmett, ID, residents.
California helps Oso Sweet round out year-round offerings
With a couple of years of production under its belt, Oso Sweet Onions has a much larger crop of California onions this year from two distinct growing regions.
Brian Kastick, president and general manager of the Charleston, WV-based firm, said the Brawley district in the southern desert region of Imperial Valley will be shipping in May and June, while Bakersfield will provide Oso Sweet Onions in July and August. He said both regions are perfectly suited to provide what he calls “a real sweet onion.”
Western Fresh holding 70 percent of Chilean Asian pear import market this year
On March 22, Chris Kragie, sales manager for Western Fresh Marketing in Madera, CA, told The Produce News that the company was currently importing Asian pears and kiwi from Chile.
“Asian pears started about two weeks ago and will run through late June or early July,” said Mr. Kragie. “Last year our Asian pear program represented 65 percent of what was imported into the U.S. This year, we will have 70 percent of that market. We are currently at 90 percent, but other importers will pick up a little steam as we move forward.”
Jeff Patterson joins Global Organic/Specialty Source Inc.
Sarasota, FL-based Global Organic/Specialty Source Inc. hired JEFF PATTERSON as director of sales and business development.
Christopher Ranch earns top food-safety scores
Christopher Ranch, a leading grower-packer of fresh garlic, was awarded a Superior rating in a recent PrimusGFS audit, and its HACCP plan received a 100-percent score.
The PrimusGFS audit is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. It covers the supply chain from pre- to post-farm gate production in an integrated supply chain approach. The audit focuses on fresh or minimally processed food products from the agricultural sector that are designated for human consumption. The standards of the audit are based on industry best practice and sound science.
NEPC puts on a strong expo in Boston
BOSTON — The New England Produce Council's 14th annual expo was marked by a strong retail presence, a varied trade show and a keynote speech by a baseball hero.
Eagle Eye Produce partners with The Grape Guys in formation of new company
Eagle Eye Produce Inc. in Idaho Falls, ID, and The Grape Guys in Visalia, CA, have partnered in the formation of a new company called Eagle Eye Grape Guys LLC. The partnership was announced April 5.